Message 7175 of 39188 in General Discussion

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Thorne,

     Well I can see how it's frustrating not having experience and wanting a 
job that calls for experience, you think to yourself "how does everyone else 
start?"  This is atleast how I felt when I first started out.  I was a 
standout with no experience.  I had set all the records in my bartending 
school (speed and product knowledge), I am very motivated, and of course a 
good "people person".  I was looking for "bartending" jobs!  I tried a 
handfull of places from resturaunts to trendy night clubs.  I got some 
interviews and that was about it.  Finaly after a couple weeks of searching I 
went to a local Salsa club.  The manager was there and told me that there were 
no bartending positions available but he could offer me a barback spot.  I was 
hesitant because I knew I had what it took (or at least thought I did) to be a 
strong bartender.  I gave in and took the position because I really wanted to 
get behind a bar and see what it was all about.  After only 2 months I was 
full time bartending because I was constantly praised by my manager and fellow 
bartenders for everything I knew.  I know there are probably opportunities to 
get "bartending" jobs right off the bat, but those are generaly the places you 
really wouldn't want to be working at.  I guess I just think about it this 
way; when someone goes to a university to get a degree generaly they come out 
getting entry level jobs or even interning.  You have to prove yourself to be 
at the top, and being a bartender in a resturaunt or club is the top of the 
foodchain.  Try and be optomistic about it and that will show through to your 
boss who will in turn get you where you desire to be.  Or you can spend a good 
amount of time and energy trying to convince thick skulled managers that there 
are good quality bartenders like yourself and I that come out of schools.  I 
really do feel your pain, but you can't be so narrow minded.  You have to look 
at the big picture.  All the bartenders I work with have at least 3 years of 
experience ranging all the way up to almost 15 for some.  I am one of the best 
bartenders in the bar and they all recognize that.  So this is my advice to 
you from someone who was in your same situation.  Take it for what it's worth.
    
                                     Jrock